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Science News for June 27, 2002


Gene therapy may offer release from sterile isolation for patients lacking immune systems

Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to treat two young children with ADA-SCID, a rare form of SCID that requires regular injections of the bovine form of ADA enzyme. The new method involves removing bone marrow cells and engineering them to produce healthy immune cells, offering a potentially lower-risk alternative to bone ...

Personality disorders change over time

Research suggests that personality disorders change over time, with certain traits increasing in severity as individuals age. A 12-year follow-up study found that anxious and obsessive personality traits became more pronounced in patients, while flamboyant tendencies decreased.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 27, 2002

Integrated medical/substance abuse treatment increase odds patients continue treatment

A study by NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse found that integrated medical and substance abuse treatment significantly increased patient continuation rates. Over half of patients who received comprehensive care entered outpatient substance abuse programs, compared to just 2.4% of those receiving standard care.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2002

Should people with diabetes sleep with the lights on?

A study found that people with type 2 diabetes experienced increased oscillatory potentials after dark adaptation, which decreased with oxygen inhalation. The researchers suggest that diabetic patients might benefit from a modified night-time illumination cycle during sleep to reduce oxygen consumption in the retina.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 27, 2002

Fluid forces within the body help invasive bacteria

Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that fluid forces in the human body help invasive bacteria, such as E. coli, thrive and adhere to surfaces. This finding has significant medical implications, including the potential for improved biomedical device safety and a better understanding of urinary tract infections.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCell·DateJun 27, 2002

Newer lung cancer treatments extend survival longer than traditional regimens

This study found that paclitaxel- and carboplatin-based regimens can prolong survival of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, with two-year survival rates similar to those achieved at one year with best supportive care. However, three-drug regimens were slightly more toxic and did not provide additional benefits.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 27, 2002

Cocaine use linked to poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV patients

A study by the NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse found that active cocaine users had significantly lower adherence rates to antiretroviral therapy, leading to a higher risk of viral suppression failure. The study suggests that interventions should include assessing and treating cocaine use in patients with HIV infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2002

Bone marrow transplants may be improved due to the uncovering of a key mechanism

Researchers discovered that degradation of SDF-1 protein is crucial for stem cell mobilization in bone marrow transplants. G-CSF growth factor triggers this process by reducing SDF-1 levels, allowing stem cells to flow into the bloodstream. The findings may lead to improved collection of stem cells for clinical transplantations.

Needle-exchange program found to reduce emergency room visits among intravenous drug users

A study of 373 intravenous drug users found significant reductions in emergency department use among those using needle-exchange programs, including Hispanics, men, and those with mental illness. The study suggests that needle-exchange-based health care services can reduce emergency department use among high-risk IDUs.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2002